A Mini-Guide to NYC's Penn Station

Get Directions, Schedules & More Info About New York's Penn Station

As New York City’s busiest commuter hub, Pennsylvania Station (more commonly known as Penn Station) serves three passenger railroad lines: Amtrak, New Jersey Transit, and the Long Island Railroad. The station also connects to the New York City subway, Penn Plaza, and Madison Square Garden, and is just a short walk from Herald Square in midtown Manhattan.

Where is Penn Station located?

The main entrance to Penn Station is located on 7th Avenue between 31st and 33rd streets.

There are also entrances via subway stations on 34th Street and 7th Avenue and on 34th Street and 8th Avenue.

How do I get to Penn Station?

Penn Station is easily accessible by subway: the 1/2/3 trains to 34th Street and 7th Avenue take you directly to the station. The N/Q/R and B/D/F/M trains are located on 6th Avenue and 34th Street, near Macy’s and Herald Square. The A/C/E trains are located on 34th Street and 8th Ave. There is also the newer 7 stop at 34th Street at nearby Hudson Yards.

What rail lines operate at Penn Station?

Amtrak: Amtrak offers short and long distance trains to destinations in the U.S. and Canada.

New Jersey Transit: New Jersey Transit trains run from Penn Station to various destinations in New Jersey.

What is the layout at Penn Station?

Learn the layout of Penn Station before your trip and skip any undue travel stress. Penn Station has two main levels, above the train platforms.

The upper level is right below the street and the lower level is further down. Both are accessible by elevators, escalators, and stairs.

On the upper cncourse level, travelers can find the New Jersey Transit and Amtrak tracks and ticket booths.

The lower concourse level houses the Long Island Rail Road tracks and ticket stations, as well as the 1/2/3 and A/C/E subway lines. Fast food restaurants, delis, and concession stands line the central corridor of the lower level if you’re looking to snag your morning bagel or cup of coffee.

What is the history of Penn Station History?

The original Penn Station was a pink marble architectural masterpiece designed by the legendary McKim, Meade, and White, and built in 1910. For more than 50 years, New York's Penn Station was one of the country's busiest passenger train hubs.

Train travel declined dramatically with the advent of the Jet Age. The underutilized Penn Station was demolished to make way for Madison Square Garden and the new, smaller Penn Station. The destruction of this New York architectural landmark caused outrage and is said to be the main catalyst for many of New York's current landmark preservation statutes.